Second base is clearly the first choice for former shortstop Eckstein

PEORIA, Ariz. – If Luis Rodriguez doesn't pan out at shortstop, David Eckstein is an experienced alternative.

Eckstein has been a regular shortstop for most of his career and started for World Series championship teams in Anaheim (2002) and St. Louis (2006).

Known also as a team player, Eckstein probably wouldn't resist a move – but since he signed with the Padres, he has virtually equated second base to the happiest place on earth. He did so again after reporting to camp Tuesday.

“The opportunity to play my natural position was something I felt very strongly about from Day One,” Eckstein said of this past offseason. “When I was talking through my agent, talking to the Padres, they said, 'Yeah, let him come in and do what he wants.'

“Since I was 12, that was all I played, second base. It's something that comes very natural. It felt really comfortable and I just enjoyed it. When I was talking with other clubs, that's all I really wanted to talk about was second base.”

Scouts seconded the notion, saying Eckstein's limitations at shortstop were becoming more apparent last year and in 2007.

Early in the 2001 season, the Angels moved Eckstein from second to shortstop for Adam Kennedy.

Seemingly, shortstops have it easier on double plays, because they're less apt to be blindsided by a baserunner intent on disrupting the thrower. But Eckstein said the hardest part about moving to shortstop was seeing the runner approach.

“I can remember seeing Ken Caminiti, and I thought, 'Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?' Eckstein recalled. “Actually, not seeing the runner (while turning the pivot as a second baseman), I could always feel him. It was actually better.”

Notes

– The Padres signed veteran outfielder Emil Brown, a right-handed hitter, to a minor league contract to help offset the pending loss of Scott Hairston to the World Baseball Classic. Brown, 34, is a career .258 hitter who played 13 games with the Padres in 2001. The Pirates, Royals and A's also have employed him.

– Eckstein's brother Rick is the Nationals' hitting coach, but even during a series against the Nats, David will seek out Rick for hitting tips. “The one thing he always said is family comes before team,” Eckstein said.

– General Manager Kevin Towers said the Padres are interested in left-handed reliever Will Ohman, a free agent who pitched for Atlanta last season, but aren't optimistic they can afford him.